RuneScape Gets Pricier

A subscription for decade-old MMO, RuneScape, will cost you an extra two bucks as of February 1st.

While many MMO's are going free-to-play, RuneScape, which was originally released back in 2001, is actually getting more expensive.

On February 1st, RuneScape's monthly memebershup price will go from $5.95 US dollars to $7.95. This change only effects new subscribers. Players who became a member before the price hike will still pay the lower rate, which won't increase unless that subscription is canceled. There will be a seven day grace period for those of you who forget to renew your subscriptions when they expire.

Though technically a decade old, RuneScape's engine was entirely rewritten for a re-release back in 2004.

According to the announcement from developer and publisher, Jagex, the extra revenue will be used to fund some "ambitious plans for 2012." That being said, despite an increase in total turnover, 2011 remains the only year in which Jagex's operating profits have decreased since 2007. Jagex has invested heavily in anti-bot technology in the past few years, and the recently-won court case against RuneScape bot makers IBot Software, cost the MMO developer a "seven-figure sum." A hefty figure, albeit one Ceo Daniel Cloguh seemed happy to pay.

So, in essence, if you're thinking about signing up for RuneScape now is the time to do it.